BWC/OSU One-handed lifting guidelines

These guidelines can help users assess one-handed lifting (and lowering) tasks in their workplaces based on research conducted by The Ohio State University.

BWC/OSU One-Handed Lifting (and Lowering) Guidelines*

Multiple tools exist to estimate the risk associated with lifts performed in occupational environments using two hands, but no prior studies have presented guidelines for one-handed lifting scenarios. The link to the document on this web page describes the development of a new set of one-handed lifting (and lowering) guidelines and instructs practitioners on how to implement them to help reduce the risk of low back disorders. Additionally, you can download an Excel spreadsheet of the tool here. You'll need to enter several pieces of information about the one-handed lifting or lowering task being tested into the spreadsheet in order to estimate biomechanical risk.